Thanks to the best Project Management approaches followed these days! They have brought positive changes to the way projects are executed and delivered. They have made this possible by creating a list of the best customs for the management of varied aspects of projects. With these practices, Project Management these days are able to improve its functions in achieving customer delight and efficiency. When talking about Project Management methodologies, PRINCE2 and Agile are among the popular options. Many leading enterprises follow these approaches to make sure of the smooth delivery of projects. Indeed, both of these existed as separate Project Management methodologies until some years ago. But, their collaboration has opened up new paths to ensure organizational success. However, some Project Managers have the question of which is better PRINCE2 or PRINCE2 Agile.

Agile Methodology – An Introduction:

As you can understand from the name, the Agile Approach to Project Management is focused on operating with Agility. It means that it helps the organization to react quickly and be capable enough of adapting to changes. Also, it enables pivoting as and when required while making sure of a smooth project operation. As against some Project Management focused on the project’s outcome, the unique feature of this approach is that it uses incremental and short-term objectives and goals to ensure project success.

The Agile Project Management technique is focused on customer satisfaction. It helps organizations gain the satisfaction of customers by delivering benefits all through the project’s lifecycle. Further, this methodology motivates ongoing improvement by reflecting at regular intervals. It also motivates collaborative work and keeps the team members empowered and motivated to get the job done. The lifeblood of this methodology is to be flexible and responsive to changes during the entire project lifecycle.

PRINCE2 – An Introduction:

Similar to Agile, PRINCE2 has also gained immense popularity among business organizations for Project Management internationally. More than millions of certified professionals from across the world use this Project Management methodology. The best thing about this technique is that it is possible to customize it to suit projects of different sizes. Most importantly, it suits businesses operating in different domains. 

The PRINCE2 Framework does not explain how teams should work. Rather, it pays attention to the principles and themes of project planning, lifecycle, quality assurance, and risk and change management.  This framework aids professionals to make sure that the project becomes not only profitable but also viable. Also, it helps with making sure that the business case is solid and that the teams stay accountable. Giving a project the structure and direction it deserves is the core of PRINCE2. 

A Combined Approach – PRINCE2 and Agile:

When comparing PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile, it is good to understand how these two approaches were integrated. PRINCE2 Agile was launched in 2015 and since then, it has gained immense popularity. The combination of these two approaches brings together the positive aspects of both. Yes, it has the traditional governance approach of PRINCE2 and the adaptable and flexible nature of Agile. In turn, the combined approach helps organizations to benefit from the best of both worlds.

The special feature of the combined PRINCE2 Agile approach is that it suits any project environment with ease. When the structure of the Agile approach motivates a working environment that values quality, the structure of PRINCE2 gives direction to any project. Together they benefit delivery all through the project lifecycle. The combined approach pays attention to not only the project but also the project’s outcome. 

What Are the Variations Among Agile and PRINCE2?

You can find the answer to the question is PRINCE2 Agile better than PRINCE2, you should first understand the difference between PRINCE2 and Agile approaches to Project Management:

The Agile Project Management and PRINCE2 practices perform in different ways. When Agile is the way of carrying out work on a project, PRINCE2 is a technique to manage projects. As against PRINCE2, Agile is not a methodology in itself. Rather, it is a way of thinking from which many techniques have come up. Scrum is an excellent example. In 2015, when AXELOS found that many people were finding it hard to recognize a technique to apply PRINCE2 on Agile projects, PRINCE2 Agile was introduced.

Difference Between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile:

The similarity between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile is that they both depend on the same themes, processes, and principles. The key difference between the two is that the PRINCE2 Agile offers details on how to customize PRINCE2 Elements for an Agile atmosphere. At times Project Managers might be confused as to which of these methodologies to choose for their Project Management goals. The positive thing about PRINCE2 Agile is that it brings all the advantages of PRINCE2. For added advantages, it brings these advantages in an Agile context with more responsiveness and flexibility. Projects can change swiftly and when this happens, making the right decisions is essential for ensuring the project’s success. Here, Agile can come in handy, and here is the list of differences between PRINCE 2 Agile and PRINCE2:

• PRINCE2 works predictively, while PRINCE2 Agile works adaptively
• The former is focused more on fulfilling customer requirements as compared to the latter
• The concepts in PRINCE2 Agile are on the basis of product as against the plan
• The former is more adaptable and flexible as compared to the latter
• It responds to change swiftly
• It motivates ongoing improvements through frequent reviews
• It creates collaborative work and self-organization among team members. As a result, it creates a more positive and empowered project atmosphere such that everyone can stay on the same page.
• When PRINCE2 Agile has 12 principles, PRINCE2 has 7 principles

Here is a table-based comparison of both these concepts that will help you decide on the best for your project. 

If you are concerned about which is better PRINCE2 or PRINCE2 Agile when it comes to Project Management, the answer is subjective. The idea here is that to decide the best approach, you will have to consider different factors. They are business jurisdiction, project objectives, and business style. As a Project Manager, you know that the present-day market is unpredictable and ever-changing. So, it is good to choose Project Management that is adaptable. Also, you should choose a technique that can react well to unexpected changes. However, this is not always required. In case, you work in a controlled atmosphere and your project does not need the use of Agile techniques, PRINCE2 can do the favor for you.

When it comes to non-Agile business atmospheres, PRINCE2 will be the ideal tool for managing the project successfully. This holds if you are into Project Management for the first time without any experience and knowledge of Agile Concepts and Approaches. Otherwise, if you are operating in a project that follows the Agile approach, becoming certified in Agile will help. Further, Agile is the best approach to Project Management for managers looking for guidance on how to customize the principles of PRINCE2 in an Agile Atmosphere. Agile supports existing project delivery techniques in different business atmospheres. However, it needs to be rightly suitable for your business atmosphere. In case, your project needs the use of Agile techniques, then PRINCE2 Agile will offer a better platform to you.

Is it Possible to Use Both PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile in the Same Project?

When comparing PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile and when you have knowledge of both these approaches, you might wonder whether it is possible to use both these approaches in the same project. Yes, it is possible even though they can perform in varied ways but can complement each other. When you use both these approaches in your Project Management, you can bring together the structure of PRINCE2 along with the flexibility of Agile. 

If you wish to gain knowledge on both these techniques, you can better complete the PRINCE2 Certification first. Thereafter, you can progress to PRINCE2 Agile with a solid foundation of understanding and knowledge. The latter is a complex technique. So, the more confidence and understanding you have, you can benefit greatly when you progress. When you gain knowledge on PRINCE2 Agile, you can heighten your knowledge and can make yourself a valuable asset to the organization. When talking about PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile certifications, you will find PRINCE2 Foundation, PRINCE2 Practitioner, PRINCE2 Agile Foundation, and PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner courses.